Thinking about moving to Florida? Maybe you’re wondering why are so many people moving to Florida — and should I? There are moving to Florida pros and cons, and we will touch on 10 of the pros in this article.
Florida has a lot to offer if you want to raise a family or retire. From mild winters to a thriving job market, the Sunshine State attracts young professionals and retirees. Keep reading for a few things to know before moving to Florida.
Why are People Moving to Florida?
With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida has plenty of water sports and outdoor activities, making it a desirable place to live. Here are other reasons why more than 21 million people call the Sunshine State their home.
1. Great Year-Round Weather
Many people stay in Florida during the winter because of the comfortable temperatures. Even in the winter, average temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s. There’s no shortage of sun, so if you can’t stand the cold, you’ll love it in Florida.
Here are some tips:
- Wear plenty of sunscreen whenever you step out.
- Toss your cold-weather clothes and replace them with loose, comfortable hats and clothing.
- However, hang onto your sweaters, jackets, and jeans—it can get a little chilly in the winter.
- Always keep an umbrella handy, May through October can be rainy.
- In the summer, go outside early and head back inside to enjoy the air conditioning when the afternoon heat rises.
2. Top-Rated Beaches
South Florida is home to numerous white-sand beaches with warm water. Some of the best include:
- Clearwater Beach: One of the best white-sand beaches in all of America, this is an excellent spot for sports activities like beach volleyball and parasailing. Hit the dolphin-watching or fishing cruises if you’re looking for more deep-sea action. Walk Pier 60 and capture the perfect sunset photo op.
- South Beach: An international hotspot, this is where you’ll want to be if you’re into the iconic Miami lifestyle. Neverending nightlife and high-end shops are abundant. Scope out a beachfront high rise for the city feel while being so close to having your toes in the sand.
- Siesta Key: An excellent spot for families with playgrounds and beachfront picnic areas. It’s another great place for shell collecting or taking the family out on a catamaran if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sanibel Island: Capture that perfect seashell for your collection at this prime destination on the Gulf of Mexico. A little more off the beaten path, this is a top relaxing beach location.
With all of these incredible beaches, make sure you include getting new swimwear on your moving to Florida checklist.
3. Different Amusement Parks
Who could forget Disney World? Orlando is home to this iconic theme park. While it’s a favorite attraction for tourists, many locals also enjoy it and take advantage of Florida resident discounts.
As a resident, you can go as frequently as you want without traveling far. You can also enjoy Epcot Center, Universal, and Animal Kingdom parks in Orlando. Busch Gardens is another fun theme park; you’ll find it in Tampa.
Entertainment at your fingertips is just one of the many perks of moving to Florida.
4. Tons of Outdoor Activities and Events
Living in Florida means you can engage in outdoor fun all year long. Some events include:
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Ziplining
- Visiting the Everglades
- Races
- Sand sculpting contests
- Arts and craft shows
- Car shows
- Farmers markets
- Concerts
5. Housing Is Affordable
When moving to Florida, there are many affordable housing options. From apartments to condos to single-family homes, you’ll find them all here. Your choices will depend on your budget, so whether you have a modest income or you’re a millionaire, there are plenty of living options from which to choose.
When considering how much money you need when moving to Florida, know that choosing your neighborhood can have a big impact on your budget.
Some areas of Florida, like Tampa or Miami, can be expensive. However, moving to Florida generally results in a lower cost of living. Goods, services, and healthcare tend to run below the national average.
6. No State Income Tax
One of the best things to know before moving to Florida, is that it has no income tax. This means you’ll save more of what you earn, allowing you to do more with your money—one of the more popular benefits of living in Florida.
7. Cultural Diversity
Florida is known for its diverse culture, from the food to the events to the festivals to the museums. You can travel the world without leaving the state.
8. Great Retirement Community
You may want to consider moving to Florida when you get older. Perfect weather, lots of fun things to do, excellent healthcare, and no estate taxes make it a great place to retire. It’s also very popular among the older generations, there are plenty of retirement communities to be a part of.
9. Awesome Educational Programs
If you’re moving to Florida with children, you’ll be pleased to know that Florida has great education options. Parents can choose between district, charter, private, online, and magnet schools from kindergarten through high school.
Several statewide scholarship programs help with private school tuition. There are also above-average high schools in the state, and Florida Tech is known as one of the best universities in the country.
10. Great Job Market
For professionals, one of the pros of living in Florida is a solid job market. No matter where you’re looking to move, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.
This includes Northern Florida (Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville), mid-Florida (Tampa, Orlando), and South Florida (Ft. Lauderdale, Miami.) You’ll find many jobs in tech, the service industry, and finance.
Contact Us Today
Now that you know the pros of moving to Florida, what do you think? If you’re considering moving to Florida, Colonial Van Lines can help. Our professional movers have 50+ years of experience, so you can trust us to move your belongings safely and on time.
Contact us today to learn more about our services, including the Colonial Cube, and to get a free quote.